Kent Haden has announced his Republican candidacy for the 43rd District in the Missouri House of Representatives.
The 43rd House District covers all of Audrain County and portions of northern and eastern Callaway County. The seat is currently occupied by Rep. Jay Houghton, a Republican who has reached eight years of service and is term limited this year.
Haden is a life-long resident of the 43rd District. He was raised at Hatton in northern Callaway County, and is a graduate of North Callaway High School. He attended the University of Missouri College Of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine.
Haden said he was inspired to run to help protect the basic American liberties all Missourians enjoy.
"The founders of this country got it right when they defended life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and those principles are so important to me," Haden said. "I want to protect the right to life, the right to bear arms, and keep citizens free from unnecessary regulation. It seems that every year, the government is bigger and more expensive. We need representation in Jefferson City that will protect what matters."
Haden also said he is running because he wants to maintain the district's tradition of sending strong advocates for agriculture to Jefferson City.
"Agriculture is so critical to Missouri's rural economy, but today there are very few elected officials in the General Assembly with experience in production agriculture or agricultural business," he said. "Our last two representatives, Jay Houghton and Steve Hobbs, did an excellent job of leading the way in protecting and promoting agriculture inside the district and throughout Missouri. I want to continue that tradition of leadership at the Capitol."
After working early in his career in private veterinary practice and as a disease control veterinarian for Missouri, Haden worked 28 years for MFA Inc. in various capacities, last serving as vice president in charge of feed and animal health. Haden worked the last eight years as state epidemiologist, retiring at the end of 2017.
Haden and his wife, Brenda, live on a farm south of Mexico that is split on the Audrain and Callaway county line. Brenda Haden is a retired teacher in the Mexico public school system.
The Hadens have three children, Jenny (Chris) Bilbro, Brent (Connie) Haden, Dr. Tyler (Hannah) Haden, and six grandsons. Haden is a member of First Baptist Church of Mexico, where he teaches Sunday school, and is currently chairman of the deacons.
Other candidates who have filed for 43rd district are Adela Falk, of Williamsburg, a Republican, and Jamie Blair, of Mexico, a Democrat. Blair works for the Missouri Military Academy and is a committeewoman for the Missouri Democratic Party.